Rino Gattuso returns to the San Siro, repeatedly slaps Philippe Mexes in the head

Brooks Peck

Dirty TackleMarch 23, 2013

Sion player-manager Gennaro Gattuso brought his current side to visit his former club, Milan, for a friendly at the San Siro on Friday. It was a special homecoming for Gattuso as he got to visit with all his former teammates for the first time since he left at the end of last season. And he made the most of the opportunity by playfully slapping Philippe Mexes in the head. Clearly Gattuso was overcome with emotion.

“How can you not get emotional at returning here?” the former Rossoneri hero told Milan Channel.

“It was a great day and wonderful sensations. I really enjoy this type of work, as the way I spent my life in football terms it was a natural transition from player to player-manager.

“It feels like years ago looking at how Milan are now, but instead it was only a few months. This is a quality side that has real prospects.”

Before the match (which Milan won 6-0), Gattuso greeted his old friends with a more conventional round of hugs (and a kick up the backside for Antonio Nocerino). But like a rambunctious bear cub, play violence is how the Calabrese midfielder shows affection. Just ask Marcello Lippi...